Choosing the Perfect Wedding Band Metal: A Complete Guide
Once you have picked out and locked down the type of diamond you want for your partner’s engagement ring, it is time to choose the band metal that will hold that precious stone. This is an important choice as it should complement the diamond that you have chosen.
There is a myriad of metals to choose from, including yellow, white and rose gold, platinum, silver and more. These metals are gender neutral and will beautifully enhance the premium look and feel of your wedding attire.
You can find soft metals that are delicate and easier to scratch, as compared to hardy and more durable materials that are highly resistant to damage. Metals can also be judged on the basis of colour, appearance and expression. Some engagement ring metals offer a warm touch, while cooler tones may be better preferred by others. You can also use the metal to determine how you are going to match your wedding ring and engagement ring.
You can choose to match, mix, or even contrast the rings to compose various styles. Discuss it with your partner and match the metal of both your rings for a cohesive look or mix it up to show your own personal preferences.
You can also factor in price as a consideration point if you are spending more on the diamond or gemstone. Some metals are more expensive than others, so it depends on your price range which option you decide on. It is for you to decide which part of the ring you wish to prioritise.
Key points to remember are your partner’s style, skin tone, preference and budget. Follow our extensive guide to picking the perfect metal to iron out any other problems you may be facing.
Platinum
Platinum is a beautiful metal that exudes luxury and grace and is a great choice for your engagement ring. Platinum has a natural shine and is a metal that is durable, perfect for the long term. Platinum is known for resisting general wear along with corrosion, making it ideal for a piece of jewellery that is intended to be worn every day for the rest of your life.
The material is hypoallergenic, ensuring that it does not trigger any skin reactions or allergies. This makes sure that the material is safe for people with metal allergies and cannot wear metals such as yellow, rose or white gold without having an allergic reaction on their skin.
Another reason why platinum makes an ideal choice is that it ages beautifully. The metal develops a patina over time for a more classic and timeless look, whereas you always have the option of having your ring polished to restore its original sheen.
Gold
Traditionally for the wedding band metal, the most popular choice for engagement rings, gold has always been a classic choice. Yellow gold still remains one of the most widely dominant among all genders. The traditional notions connected to this metal make it a safe choice for engagement ring bands, boasting a timeless style and colour that will never go out of style. Whether you wish to set a solitaire in the striking yellow gold, adorn it with a canopy of smaller stones or chose a gold ring with an extravagant row of diamonds, the colour of this metal surely exudes grandeur.
A gold ring makes a versatile option that can be worn by anyone and is easy to maintain. Though it is low maintenance, the metal can be polished to restore its natural shine anytime. Like any regular metal, yellow gold can easily be scratched and sometimes even dented. These factors should be considered while deciding the metal of your wedding band.
Yellow gold jewellery is not made of pure gold but hosts an amalgamation of other metals such as copper and zinc. Depending on the purity of gold used in the blend of metals, the engagement ring can be 14K gold, which contains 58/3% pure gold, or 18K gold, which consists of 75% pure gold. The significant difference between these two metals is not only their purity levels [carat] but also their physical features. Due to the higher content of gold in the 18K composition, it is richer and has a warmer colour, but is softer and easier to scratch and dent. Whereas a 14K ring would exude a more subtle and cooler yellow colour while being stronger and more durable.
Rose Gold
The trendiest metal that has prevailed over the past few years is the lavish and stunning rose gold. Showcasing blushing shades of pinks and reds, the metal is a blend of pure gold, copper and silver and is considered to be one of the most romantic engagement ring metals, owing to the romantic pink hue it exudes.
Like any other gold, rose gold is also available in 14K and 18K, while a higher copper element in the metal helps make it stronger than other gold metal. A 14K ring, therefore makes for a highly durable engagement ring if you are looking for something that is substantially resistant to scratching and denting. The presence of copper also makes rose gold gentler on the pocket and is suitable for a budgeted shopper who is looking for something extravagant, stylish and long-lasting – the perfect timeless accessory for your beloved!
The only two disadvantages this metal may have is that despite the beautiful tinge of gold it offers and the affordability it ensures, the copper content in rose gold is likely to cause more skin-related issues than other metals. Rose gold is still a relatively new material, which means the choices available in rose golds for engagement rings and wedding bands is rather restricted. Nonetheless, if you are able to get your hands on a graceful piece of rose gold to pop the question, paired with a stunning stone, the ring will surely blow away your partner.
White Gold
Another precious metal you can consider is white gold. Though yellow gold holds traditional value, white gold goes hand in hand with the ultra-modern era we are living in and over the last decade has become widely popular. White gold is currently the most sought after and selected metal type for wedding bands and engagement rings. With a glamorous, yet subtle shine, white gold is composed of pure gold and various metals such as silver, palladium and nickel.
Like any other gold, white gold is also available in various levels of purity, with 14K and 18K being the most common, while a blend of stronger metals makes it more durable and resistant to wear than many other metals. Along with the breath-taking white sheen it exudes, white gold is stylish and has a contemporary charm, perfect for the modern women. It complements white, colourless diamonds elegantly and can become the highlight of your jewellery box in no time. White gold makes a great choice for an engagement ring, exuding a similar look to platinum but in a more pocket-friendly way.
However, the metal does require maintenance. White gold jewellery usually features a rhodium coating which needs to be dipped every few years to remain intact and protect the metal properly. This coating helps preserve lustre, colour and shine to make a timeless accessory. The dipping service is inexpensive and is offered by experienced jewellers. The nickel element in white gold can also lead to allergic reactions in some people, typically if you go for the 14K white gold. So, check on your partner and what affects their skin!
Silver
Sterling silver is a beautiful metal that has been used to express emotions, feelings and bonds for centuries. Clubbed with luxurious stones and diamonds, a sterling silver engagement ring is always a safe choice! It is classy, it is chic – it is the best option if you are undecided about which metal to choose.
The addition of copper to the metal makes it highly durable and sturdy, perfect for enduring daily wear and tear. The metal can range from a bright white colour to a greyish white hue and is available in both matte or shiny finishes to make a versatile accessory. The metal contains at least 92.5% pure silver and can tarnish, making proper care essential. When the ring isn’t worn, it must be stored in tarnish-preventive bags/boxes.
You can find the luxe and grandeur of silver at pocket-friendly prices with sterling silver. However, the high pure silver content does mean that your engagement ring could easily scratch, dent or even bend due to the pliable nature of pure silver. Be sure to pick your metal as per your partner's lifestyles and preferences.
